Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has inaugurated the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Health Services Academy, Islamabad, in a move aimed at strengthening pharmaceutical education and public health research in Pakistan.
The inauguration ceremony marked a new development in the country’s efforts to expand its healthcare education infrastructure and improve the training of health professionals.
Focus on stronger healthcare workforce
Addressing the ceremony, the minister said Pakistan has the talent and institutional capacity required to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare system. He stressed the need to produce skilled doctors, pharmacists, and public health professionals who can serve with professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.
He said strengthening academic institutions is essential for improving the quality of healthcare delivery across the country.
Shift from treatment to prevention
Mustafa Kamal emphasized that Pakistan’s healthcare strategy must move beyond treatment-based systems toward prevention and health promotion.
He said the goal should be to keep people healthy rather than only expanding hospital infrastructure to treat illness after it occurs.
According to him, investment in primary healthcare systems, disease prevention programs, and public awareness campaigns is critical for long-term national health outcomes.
He added that a preventive healthcare model would not only improve public wellbeing but also reduce pressure on hospitals and lower overall healthcare costs.
Role of pharmaceutical education
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan highlighted the importance of pharmaceutical sciences as a core pillar of the healthcare system.
He said the newly established School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Health Services Academy will help improve academic standards, strengthen research capacity, and support policy development in pharmacy and health regulation.
Step toward health sector reform
Officials said the establishment of the new school is expected to contribute to a more skilled healthcare workforce and support broader reforms in Pakistan’s health sector.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to enhance medical education, improve regulatory standards, and strengthen public health outcomes nationwide.
